Aranmula airport will pose major eco-threat: report

Advocate Commissioner files report in HC

Indiscriminate reclamation of paddy fields and blocking of Kozhithodu, a tributary of the Pampa, for the proposed greenfield airport at Aranmula will be a perennial threat to Aranmula Sree Parthasarathi Temple, according to a report filed by the Advocate Commissioner in the Kerala High Court.

In his report, S. Subash Chand, Advocate Commissio ner, said indiscriminate reclamation of paddy fields and blocking of the tributary of the Pampa would endanger valuable plant species, fish, and microorganism.

It would cause flood in the Pampa and its adjoining areas, affecting the temple, which had a weak structure. He pointed out that in its report, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board had said that 80 per cent of the 500 acres of land earmarked for the airport consisted of paddy fields. Such large-scale conversion of paddy fields would have an adverse effect on the food chain and the same would accelerate the depletion of fish resources and other flora and fauna in the Pampa river. The reclamation would deprive fish species of its breeding grounds. Biodiversity loss and water shortage would be caused due to razing of hills in the nearby areas.

The Salim Ali Foundation, which also conducted a study, reported that the proposed airport project would destroy 400 acres of waterlogged paddy field and endanger 212 species of plants in the region, of which 22 were endemic to the Western Ghats, 110 important for their medicinal properties, and 88 wetland species. According to chairman of the foundation V.S. Vijayan, if paddy cultivation was restored and fish farming launched, the region would yield benefits to the tune of Rs.335 crore to Rs.440 crore annually. The commissioner pointed out that Airports Authority of India (AAI) had suggested razing of four hills around the temple along with a rubber plantation.

The present policy on Aranmula Airport issue is going to be a disaster for the Congress Party in the coming election and beyond. The attitude of the ruling party and the adamant and vocal, and at times very provocative statements of the CM, some Ministers, 2 MPs and the local MLA, is eroding the vote base and the popularity of the Party among various sections of the society irrespective of their political affiliations. How a Party like Congress could not gauge the feeling of the people much before the damage has done? Other than votes, what weighed more in the minds of Party Managers? The so-called prophets of development rubbished the sane voices of people like V.M. Sudheeran and Peelipose Thomas. Even the last minute correction in the present anti-environment and anti- people policy may save some votes for the Party. Hope sane political wisdom will rule the higher echelons of the Party at Delhi as a saving grace. Thomas

from:
Thomas P. Thomas

Posted on: Jan 12, 2014 at 11:49 IST

The advocate commissions report is crystal clear , true and convincing to anybody with commonsense.Still the authorities, especially Mr. Oommen chandy taking a stubborn stand is very unfortunate. What kind of a ruler he is.Daring serious consequences, he is putting his entire weight for a rather unimportant and anti people cause. Airport is not the yardstick of development. But drinking water, environment protection and religious harmony is vital for any society. May god give him little wisdom and stop from further deterioration.

from:
p.s.viswanathaN

Posted on: Jan 11, 2014 at 11:58 IST

Thiru Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is one of the 108 Tirupatis mentioned in "Nalayiram Prabandham". Nammazhvar (9th century) has sung on Thiruvaranvilai. The rituals of such an ancient temple with innumerable number of devotees will be distracted by the proposed airport of which the runway is to come up just 500 Meters from the structure. Whatever orders the proponents of this airport have obtained are in violation of the rules of the land. In their affidavit, they have not mentioned the existence of such an important temple which is known for its Snake Boat Race and exquisite Valla Sadyas (feast for the oarsmen of the sacred boats) and Onathoni. The daily poojas and the Bhootha Balis also will be affected. All these rituals will be eclipsed in the noise produced if the airport becomes functional. The sanctity of the temple is also to be considered while raising the environmental violations perpetrated by the airport group which has influential masters in Delhi.

from:
Sivasankar

Posted on: Jan 11, 2014 at 03:14 IST

Keralites do not want another Airport , after reclaiming vast areas of precious forests and wetlands,which is detrimental to our state both in terms of environmental and social impacts. We have enough airports for our travel and business requirements. If another one is required let it be put up at some other place with out hurting vast areas of forests,wet lands,mangroves and vast areas of greenaries and paddy fields. Just because of power got simply by winning election on different politicl mandate, no democratic government can move ahead neglecting the majority opinion on this controversial issue,which rejected such proposls after a series of debates and seminars.It seems that it is the product of political bargaining and manipulation. Just beacuse the previous LDF government accpeted it in principle doesnot give balanket right for UDF now to go ahead with the proposals. Since it is against the interest of our state in totality ,government is requested to drop it.